Loading machine



F. W. VODOZ LOADING MACHINE Oct. 24, 1933.

Filed Oct. 20, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 N N mm Oct. 24, 1933.

F. W. VODOZ LOADING MACHINE Filed 001;. 20, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 c. 24, 1933. F w, VODQZ 1,93L745 LOADING MACHINE Filed Oct. 20, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 24, 1933. F. W. VQDOZ 1,931,745

LOADING MACHINE Filed oct. 2o, 1930 4 sheets-sheet 4 Patentes oci. 24. y193s' lTATES `'PATENT OFFICE Application October 20, 1930. Serial No. 489.760

30 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in loading machines and more particularly to track mounted loading machines such asare used in mines and adapted to gather loose material and deposit it upon a travelling conveyor for discharge into cars or the like.

My invention has, among other objects, to provide a new and improved form of loading machine adapted to be mounted on a mobile device, such as an ordinary mine locomotive, to provide a novel means for supporting said loading machine on said mobile device for maximum flexibility of movement of the loading element during the loading operation, and to provide a new and improved form of gathering mechanism for gathering loose material onto a conveyor.

Other objects of my invention will appear from time to time as this specification proceeds.

My invention may be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: p

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the device embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side eleva tion of the forward portion of the device shown in Figure l with parts broken away and in section; K

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sideelevation of the forward portion of the device shown in Figure 1,'taken from the opposite side of the machine from Figure 3, with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial fragmentary side elevation of the machinewith .parts broken away and in section; ,v

Figure 6 is an enlarged Vpartial fragmentary plan View of the gearing arrangement with parts broken away and .in section;

Figure 'T1 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Figurel;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail plan view of one of the gathering arms with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 9 is a partial sectional viewtaken on line 9-3 ofliigure 8; and

Figures l0, 11 and l2 are diagrammatic views of the gathering mechanism in various operative positions.

Liliethe cus figures. l

Rec- -ng now to the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in the drawings, a locomotive 2 is provided for supporting the entire numerals refer to like parts throughout gathering and loading mechanism. The locomotive 2 is an electric locomotive of an ordinary 10W vein construction and is provided with an electric motor 3 which drives track wheels 4 by means of a geared reduction generally indicated at 5 which is provided with means for supporting a .conveying and loading mechanism 6 for movement with respect to said locomotive so said conveying and loading mechanism may be manipulated to gather loose material in various parts of the mine remote from the locomotive proper.

The conveying and loading mechanism 6 includes a conveyor frame '7 having aforward inclined portion 8 engageable with the mine bottom at vits forward end and a rearward horizontal portion 9 supported on the locomotive 2.l

Referring now in particular to the means for supporting the conveyor frame 7 on the locomotive 2, a rearwardly extending arm 11 is pro` vided. This arm is xed to a Vertical shaft 12 supported in a bracket 13 extending rearwardly from the locomotive 2 for pivotal movement with respect thereto. A trunnion support member 14 is pivotally mounted on the rearward end of the arm 11 and extends upwardly therefrom. This trunnion support member extends upwardly along each side of Ythe conveyor frame 7 and provides a pivotal support for the rearward end of said conveyor frame so said conveyor frame may be moved with respect to the locomotive 2 about a horizontal or vertical axis.

Means are provided for moving the rearwardly extending arm`11 about the axis of the vertical shaft l2 which herein comprises an electric motor 15 voperatively connected with said shaft by means of a worm and worm gear drive generally indicated at 16. It may thus be seen that pivotal movement of the rearwardly extending arm 11 pivotally moves the rearward end of the conveyor frame 7 so said conveyor frame may be positioned over a mine car in various positions the conveying and loading mechanism 6 with respect to the locomotive 2. v

The forward end of the conveyor frame 7 is slidably 'supported on a gear sector 17, which gear sector is adjustably supported on the locomotive2 beyond the forward end thereof for vertical movement with respect thereto (see Figs. l, 2 and 7). Forked parts lldepend from the gear sector 17 adjacent each side thereof and have connecting links 19 pivotally mounted thereon. The lower end of the connecting links 19 are forkedand are adapted to be pivotally connected to a top flattened portion`2l of a vertical shaft 22. lThe vertical shafts 22 aresup- Cil with theY teeth on the gear sector i7.

ported in members 23 projecting forwardly from the locomotive 2. The lower end of these shafts are threaded and are engaged by threaded inner peripheries (not shown) of worm. gears 24 so that rotation of said worm gears raises or lowers the vertical shafts 22 which moves the entire conveyor frame 7 about the of the trunnion support member i4. This raises the forward end of the conveyor frame 7 above the mine bottom so the machine may be transported about the mine on the locomotive 2, or so it may be accommodated to uneven surfaces. The worm gears 24 are driven from worms 25 adjacent opposite ends of a transverse shaft 26. A motor 27 is provided to drive the transverse shaftV 26 and is connected thereto by means of a pair of bevel gears 30,

spur pinion 26 on a transverse shaft 29, which shaft is driven by the bevel gears 36, and a spur gear 3l keyed on the transverse shaft V26.

Rollers 32 are provided on each side of the conveyor frame 7 to engage the top surface of the gear sector 17 so the conveyor frame 7 may be moved along said gear sector about the axis of the point of connection of thev trunnion support memberv 14 to the rearwardly extending arm 11. (See Fig. 7.)

Means are provided to move the conveyor frame 7 about the axis of the point oi' connection of the trunnion supportmember 14 'to the rearwardly extending arm 11, which means herein comprise a spur pinion 33 keyed on the upper end of a vertical shaft 34, which pinion-meshes The vern tical shaft 34 is supported and icurnaled in a support frame portion having connection with the conveyor frame 7 beneath said conveyor frame.

A motor 36 is provided to drive the vertical shaft 34. This motor is herein shown as an electric motor of an ordinary construction and is sup ported on the support frame 35. The motor 36 is provided with a motor shaft 37 which has a worm 38 integral therewith. The worm 36 meshes with and drives a worm gear 39 keyed on a transverse shaft 41 for driving said shaft. Another worm 42 is ixed on the transverse shaft 41 and meshes with and'drives a worm gear 43 i Cil freely mounted on the vertical shaft 34. The upper surface of the worm gear 43 is provided with Yjaws 44, which jaws may be engaged by jaws 45 on a clutch member 46 feathered on the vertical shaft 34 so vertical shaft maybe selectively connected with the motor 36 yto move the conveying and loading -mechanism 6, and conveyor frame 7, about the axisof the point of connection of the trunnion support member 14 toitherearwardly extending arm 11.

The conveyor frame 7 is provided with a suitable conveying means which may be of any type well known to the art but which is herein preferably shown as a belt conveyor 47. The belt conveyor 47 is threadcdaround over a roller 48 at the forward end of the forward Yinclined portion 8 of the conveyor frame 7 and extends rearwardly along said conveyor frame and is driven by a roller 49 at the rearward end of said conveyor frame by means of a motor 50, reduction gears 51, transverse shaft 52, and chain and sprocket drive 53. i

Refer-ring now in particular to the novel athu eringmeans for gatheng loose material and depositing it on the conveyor.47. An inclined pan 54 extends outwardly `from andgforwardly of the conveyor frame 7 and is disposed adjacent the mine riflettono.V A plurality ,of gathering arms i 55 are provided to move across the pan 54 and move the loose material onto the belt conveyor 47. One of these arms is provided on each side of the inclined pan 54 and is pivotally mounted near the rearward end thereof and extends forwardly of said pan beyond the forward end thereof. Y

Since the construction and means of operating each of the gathering arms 55 is substantially the same, only one of said arms will be herein described in detail. The arm 55 includes a member 56 pivotally mounted on a sleeve 57, which sleeve in turn is mounted in a boss 58 in the inclined pan 54 adjacent one side thereof near the rearward end of said inclined pan. The sleeve 57 is perpendicular to the inclined pan 54 so the member 56 is pivotally movable in a plane parallel to theplane of said inclined pan. The forward portion of the member 56 is forked and has a finger 59 pivotally mounted on a pin 6l fixed in said member at its ends for movement about a transverse axis.

A bit 66 is nxed in the forward end of each finger 59 and extends forwardly therefrom to engage the loose material and move said loose material onto the inclined pan 54 and break up said loose material when said fingers become fouled between large lumps of coal.

Means are provided for moving the fingers 59'about the axis of the point of connection of the member 56 to the sleeve 57 and the pin 6l so said fingers may be moved inwardly towards the belt conveyor 47 and Voutwardly and upwardly away from said conveyor to avoid the loose material in the path of -said conveyor. Said means herein comprises a connecting rod 62 pivotally connected to a link 63 near the central portion of said link.

The link 63 has connection with a link 64 at its lower end which in turn has connection with a member 65 pivotally connected to a lug 66 extending` inwardly from the member 56. YThe opposite end of the link 63 is connected to a lever 67 pivotally mounted on an upwardly extending member 68 integral with the inclined pan 54. The lever 67 is xed on a shaft 69 which is liournaled inthe upwardly extending member 66. Another lever 7l is iixedon the outer end of the shaft 69 and extends forwardly therefrom. Y The lever 7.1has a member 72 pivotally connected to its outer end. The member 72 has an arm 73 pivotally connected thereto to move about an axis perpendicular to the point of vpivotal connection. of said member to the lever 71. The arm 73 is of an arcuate shape and extends forwardly and downwardly from `the member 72 and has its outer end pivotally-,connected to the finger 59 forwardly of the pin 61 in a forked portion 74 of said finger by means of a pin 75.

lt may thus be seen that movement of the lever 71 about the axis of the shaft 69 causes movement of the arm 73 which tends to raise the nger 59 about the axis of the pin 6l above the inclined pan 54 and that this movement is caused by the movement of the lever-67 actuated hected to the end of a crank 8l fixed on the outer end of a transverse shaft 82. The crank 81 .is positioned degrees from the crank 79 andthe ransverse shafts and 82 rotate in opposite directions to cause ,movement Vof the connecting rod 62.'

Referring now in particularto means for driving the shafts 80 and 82, said shafts are driven from the motor 36 by means of a suitable gear reduction which includes a pinion 83 fixed on the outer end of the transverseshaft 41 and reversing mechanism generally indicated at 84 for selectively drivingav spur gear 85 fixed on the transverse shaft 82 adjacentthe inner end of the crank 81,in opposite directions without reversal of said motor.

The reversing mechanism184 is of an ordinary construction and includes a gear supporting frame' 8.7 pivotally'mounted on thetransverse shaft 41and the supporting-frame 35 for pivotal movement about the axis `,of said transverse shaft. -A pinion 88 is journaled in the gear supporting frame 87 and driven from the pinion 83. Another pinion 89 is journaled in the gear supporting frame .87 on the opposite side of the pinion 83 from. the pinion -88 and drivenfrom the pinion 83 and meshes with and drives a pinion 91. vThus upon movement of the gear supporting frame 87 about the axis of the shaft 41 either of the pinions 88 or 91 may be engaged with the spur gear 85 for reversing the rotation of said spur gear in an obvious manner.

Means are providedfor moving the gear supporting frame 87'to engage either the pinion 88 or 91 with the spurgear 85, which means herein comprise a crank member 92 fixed on a shaft 93 journaled in the support frame 35. A pin 94 on .the outer end of the crank 92 engages a slot 95 in the gear supporting frame 87 so that movement of said crank causes movement of said support frame. The crank 92 is moved by means of a lever 96 fixed on the inner endof the shaft 93, a connecting link 97, anotherr crank lever 98 having connection with the opposite end of said connecting link and keyed on an outwardly extending'shaft 99, and la handle 10G on the outer end of `said shaft. The handle 100 is held in a position so that either of the pinions 88 or 91- inay be held in engagement with the spur gear 85 by means of a pin 101 engageable with holes 102 inV a sector 103.

.A spurgear 104 is fixed on the opposite end of the transverse shaft 82 from the spur gear 85 adjacent the inner side of the crank '81; This spur gear vmeshes with and drives a spur gear 105 fixed on the transverse shaft 80' adjacent the inner side .of the crank 79. It may thus be seen that rotation of the transverse shaft 82 causes rotation of the transverse shaft 80'in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of said rst mentioned transverse shaft and that this thus causes the cranks 79 and 81 to rotate in opposite directions. v

The cranks 79 and 8l are placed on opposite ends of the shafts 88 and 82 and the crank 79 lon one end of the shaft 80 is positioned 180 degrees from the Vcrank 79 on the opposite end `of said shaft.I As has been before mentioned, the cranks 81 are positioned 45 degrees from the cranks 79 and the crank 81 on one end of the shaft 82 is positioned 180 degrees from the crank 81 on the opposite 'end of said shaft.A Since the cranks 79 and 8l are connected together by the links 75 and 77 at a common point and since these cranks rotate in opposite directions and are positioned 45 vdegrees apart, rotation of said cranks causes the pin 78, which connects these cranks together, to move` in a pathshaped like a figure 8 having one small loop and onel large loop. This reciprocates'the connecting rod 62 and causes said connecting' rod to move forwardly and rearwardly a short distance and then move forwardly and rearwardly a greater distance. Such movement causes the finger 59 to move towards the belt conveyo-r v47 and then move away from said belt conveyor and then move completely into said belt conveyor before returning to the initial starting position. This enables the bit 60 on the end of the nger `59 to loosen the material ahead of the inclined pan 54 and then move said material onto the belt conveyor 47.

Referring now in particular to Figures 8, 10, l1 and 12, it may be seen that since the cranks 79' and 8l on one sidev of the conveyor kframe 7 are positioned 180 degrees apart from the cranks on the opposite side of said conveyor frame, that one gathering armis moving material towards the belt conveyor 47 while the opposite gathering arm is moving away from said belt conveyor, thus providing a continuous means for loading loose material such as coal onto said belt conveyor. It may also be seen that while one gathering arm 55 is moving a short distance toward the belt conveyor that the opposite gathering arm is moving the entire length of its stroke to move material onto said belt conveyor.y arm agitates the loose material and loosens it so the other gathering arm may move said loose material onto the conveying device.

Figure 3 shows the finger 59, in dotted lines, inclind upwardly from the inclined pan 54. This upward movement is caused bythe arm 73 and 1evers 71 and 67 upon outward movement of the nger 59 towards the outer side of the inclined pan 54 and forward movement of the connecting rod 62 when said finger encounters a lump of coal or other obstructions on itsbackward path. Thus, as the ngers 59 move away from the conveyor 47, and loose material is encountered on this backward path, said fingers are raised about the axis of the pin 6l to prevent fouling or said fingers.

It may thus be seen that a new and improved form of loading machine has been provided which may be mounted on a standard low vein mine locomotive and which is iiexibly supported on said locomotive so that material may be gathered at various points away from the track and locomotive proper, as in corners of the room or entry, and that this loading machine is provided with a new and improved form of gathering mechanism provided with a plurality of gathering arms so arranged that one arm loosens and agitates the material so that it may be gathered by the other arm and so arranged that said arms are moved upwardly upon movement away from the conveyor whenA obstructions are encountered. l v

While I have herein shown and described one form of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to `the precise details of construction or arrange ment of parts herein shown and described, except 4as specically limited in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in an inclined plane towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable Thus one gathering in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a sepa,- rate link connected to each crank adjacent one end, said links being pivotally connected together adjacent their opposite ends and a single connecting member having connection with said links at their common point of connection at one end and `having connection with said gathering arm at its opposite end.

2. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and'depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in an inclined plane towards and away from said conveyor including a iinger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and-away from said conveyor comprising a pair oi cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a separate link pivotally connected to each crank adjacent one end, said links being connected together adjacent their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said gathering arm and nger comprising a oonnecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at their` common point of connection at one endand having a separate operative connection with said gathering arm and ringer at its opposite end. Y

3. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in an inclined plane towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to saidcon'veyor upon movement ofV said gathering armV away from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conm veyor comprisingy a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a separate link connected to each crank adjacent one end, said links being connected together adjacent their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said gathering arm and nger comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at their common point of connection and link-v age means for operatively connecting said connecting rod with said gathering arm and finger.

4. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering `arm movable in aninclinedplane towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away iromrsaid conveyor including a member movable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a finger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel tov the plane of movement of said gathering arm, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of cran-ks rotatable in opposite directions, a separate link connected to each crank adjacent one end, said linksv being connected together adjacent their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said member and finger for moving said member about its pivotal axis and said finger about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis ofv said member upon movement of said an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said. gathering arm, a nger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a separate link connected to each crank adjacent one end, said links being connected together adjacent their opposite ends, and

means for connecting said links with said member and finger for moving said member about its pivotal axis and said 'nger aboutan axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member and finger away from said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at their common point of connection at one end and having connection with said member' and finger at its opposite end.

6. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away from said conveyor including a member movable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a finger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to the planeof movement of said gathering arm, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a separate link connected to each crank adjacent one end, said links being pivotally connected together adjacent their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said member and finger for moving said member about its pivotal axis and saidnger about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member vand nger away from said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with saidv `links at their common point of connection and linkage means for operatively connecting said connecting rod with said member and finger.

7. In combination with a loadingdevice of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and awaycirom said conveyor and in a plane at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away Vfrom said conveyor including a member movable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a finger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor comprising a plurality of cranks rotatable ics 'lio

about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member and iinger away from said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at one end at their common point of connection and linkage means for operatively connecting said connecting rod with said member and finger comprising a link having connection with said connecting rod intermediate its ends and having connection with said member at one end and said iinger at its opposite end.

8. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to'said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away from said conveyor including va member movable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a iinger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, and means for moving said gathering arm towardsandawayiromsaid conveyor comprising a plurality of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a link connected to each crank at one end and connected together at their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said member and finger for moving said member aboutiits pivotal axis and said finger about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member'and finger away from said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at one end at their commonpoint of connection and linkage means for operatively connecting said connecting rod vwith said member and iinger comprising a lever supported for pivotal movement above said finger, means for operatively connecting said connecting rod with said lever and means for operatively connecting said lever with said nger.

9. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away from said conveyor including a member movable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a finger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor comprising a plurality of cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a link connected to each crank at one end andconnected together at their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said member and nger for moving said member about its pivotal axis and said iinger about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member and finger away irom said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at one end at their commen point of connection and linkage means foroperatively connecting said connecting rod with said member and finger comprising a lever supported for pivotal movement above said inger, a link havingconnection with said lever at one of its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends and means for operatively connecting said lever with said finger.

10. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane? parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement away from said conveyor including a member movableabout an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement of said gathering arm, a finger pivotally mounted on said member to move about an axis parallel to plane of movement of said gathering arm,

means for moving said gathering arm tonfards'and-away from said conveyor comprising a plurality or cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a link connected to each crank at one end andconnected together at their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said member-and iinger for moving said member about its pivotal axis and said finger about an aXisperpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member upon movement of said member and finger away from said conveyor comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with said links at one end at their common point of connection and linkage means for operatively connecting said connecting rod with said member and iinger comprising a lever supported for' pivotal movement above said finger, a link having connection with said lever at one of its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends, means for operatively connecting said lever with said iinger and means for operativelyA connecting the opposite end of said link with said member..

ll. In combination .with aloading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism on each side of said conveyor iorgathering and depositing material onV said conveyor comprising a pair or alternately movable gathering arms each having an alternate agitating and gathering movement ,towards and away from said conveyor in an inclined plane, each of said gathering arms including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arms away from said conveyor, and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions on each side of said conveyor and a separate link connected to'each crank at one end, said links beingfpivotally connected together at their opposite ends.

12. Incombination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor', gathering mechanism on each side of said conveyor for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising apair of alternately movable gathering arms each having an alternate agitating and gathering movement towards and away from said conveyor in an inclined plane, each of said gathering arms including a nger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arms away from said conveyor, and means vfor actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions on each side of said conveyor, a separate link connected to each crank atone end, means for pivotally 'connecting' said links togetherat their opposite ends and means for connecting said links with saidgathering arms and iingers comprising a connecting rod having pivotal connection with each pair of links at their common point of connection and having operative connection with said gathering 'arms and nge'rsrat their opposite ends. Y

i 13. In ycombination with a Aloading device of the class described, an inclined conveyor, an inclined pan forwardly of said conveyor and disposed adjacent the mine bottom,l and gathering mechanism on said inclined pan disposed adjacent each side of said conveyor and extending forwardly of said inclined pan for gathering and depositingl material on said conveyor comprising a pair of alternately movable gathering arms each vhaving an alternate agitating and gathering movement towards and away from said conveyor in an inclined plane, each of said gathering arms including a nger movable in a plane disposed at a yright angle to said conveyor simultaneously upon movement of said gathering arms away from said conveyor and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions disposed on each side of said conveyor.

i4. In combination with a loading device vof the class described, an inclined conveyor, an inclined pan forwardly of said conveyor and disposed adjacent the mine bottom, and gathering mechanism on said inclined pan disposed adjacent each side of said conveyor and extending forwardly or said inclined pan for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a pair of alternately movable gathering arms each having an alternate agitating and gathering movement towards and away from said conveyor in an inclined plane, and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions disposed on each side of said conveyor, means for operatively connecting each pair of cranks together vcomprising a link connected to each crank at `one end, said links being pivotally connected together adjacent their opposite ends and means for connecting said links with said gathering arms and fingers.` x

l5. In combination with aloading device of the class described, an inclined conveyor, an inclined pan forwardly of said conveyor and disposed adjacent the mine bottom, and gathering mechanism on said inclined pan disposed adja- `cent each side of said conveyor and extending forwardly of said inclined pan for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising fa pair of alternately movable gathering arms each having .an alternate agita-ting and 'gathering movement towards and away'irom 'said conveyor in an inclined plane, each of said gathering arms `including a member pivotally mounted on inclined pan formovement about an axis perpendicular to the plane or" said inclined pan, a finger extending forwardly of said member and pivotally mounted thereon for movement about an axis perpendicular .to the pivotal axis of said member, and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of `cranks rotatable in opposite directions on veach side of said conveyor, a link connected to each crank at one end, means for pivotally connecting said links togetherxat their opposite ends, and means for connecting said links with said members and fingers for alternately agitating and moving said gathering arms towardsl and away from said conveyor and moving said ngers about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said members upon movement of said gathering arms away from said conveyor comprising connecting .rods having pivotal connection with-said links'at one end of their ycommon point of connection and having connection with said members and fingers at their opposite ends.

.16. In combination -with a loading device of the class described, an inclined conveyor, an inclined pan -iorwardly of said conveyor and disposed adjacent the mine bottom, and gathering mechanismen said inclined'pan disposed `adjacent each side o said conveyor and extending forwardly oi said inclined pan for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a pair of alternately movable gathering arms each having an alternatev agitating and gathering movement towards and away from said conveyor in an inclined plane, each of said gathering arms including a member pivotally mounted on said inclined pan Yfor movement about an axis perpendicular to the plane or" said inclined pan, a nger extending forwardly of said member and pivotally mounted thereon for movement about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said member, and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of cranks rotatable in opposite directions on each side of said conveyor, a link connected to each crank at one end, means for pivotally connecting said links together at their opposite ends, andrneans for connecting said links'with said members and fingers for altcrnately agitating and moving said gathering arms towards and away from said conveyor and moving said fingers about an axis perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said members upon movement of said gathering arms away from Vsaid conveyor comprising connecting rods having pivotal connection with said links at one end at their common point of connection, and linkage means for operatively connecting said connecting rods with said members and ngers comprising a pair of links, each link having connection with one of said connecting rods intermediate its ends and having operative connection with said member aty one end and` said iinger at its opposite end. Y

17. In a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movablein a plane parallel to said conveyor, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of power driven cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a pair of links connected together at a common point, each of said links being operatively connected with one of said cranks, and a connecting rod having connection with said gathering arm at one end and said links at its opposite end at their common point of connection.

18. vIn a loadingdevice or" the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and deposit'mg material on said conveyor cornpris'ing a pair of gathering ar-; s disposed adjacent the forward endof saidconveyor on each side thereof and movable in planes parallel to said conveyor and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of power driven cranks on each side of said conveyor rotatable in opposite directions, a pair of links having connection with'each pair of cranks, said links being pivotally connected together at a common point, and connecting rods having connectionwith said gathering arms at .one end and said links at their opposite end at the common point of connection of said links.

19. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyorV comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallely to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a nngermovable in a plane disposed ata rightv angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said nger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said conveyor upon movement of 'said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connectingrod driven thereby, and lever mechanism disposed above saidiinger having connection with said connecting rod and linger.

20. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising agathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a linger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means formoving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said iinger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering'arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever supported for pivotal movement above said nnger, means f or operatively connecting said connecting rod with said lever and means for operatively connecting said lever with said finger.

21. In combination with a loading device of the class describeda conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and `simultaneously moving said iinger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever supported for' pivotal movement above said finger, a link having connection with said lever at one oi its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends and means for operatively connecting said lever with said finger.

22. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said nger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever supported for pivotal movement above said iinger, a link having connection with said lever at one oi its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends, means for operatively connecting said lever with said iinger and means for operatively connecting the opposite end of said link with said gathering arm.

23. In combination with a loadingdevice of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in aplane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor and in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, said gathering arm including a member movable about an axis substantially perpendicular to said conveyor and a linger pivotally connected to said member to move about an axis parallel with said conveyor and means for moving said member and iinger towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said iinger upwardly about its axis of pivotal connec-tion to said member upon movement of said member and iinger away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, lever mechanism ldisposed above said finger having connection with said connecting rod and finger and other lever mechanism having connection with said member and connecting rod.

24. In combination with a loading device of the class described, a conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable in a plane parallel to said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor vand in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, said gathering arm including a member movable about an axis substantially perpendicular to said conveyor and a finger pivotally connected to said member to move about an axis parallel with said conveyor and means for moving said member and finger towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said iinger upwardly about its axis of pivotal connection to said Amember upon movement of said member and-finger away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, and linkage means foroperatively connecting said connecting rod with said member and iinger comprising a link having connection with said connectingrod intermediate its ends land having connection with said member at one end and said finger at its opposite end.

25. In anapparatus of-the class described, an inclinedA conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable about an axisinclined with respect to a horizontal plane across the forward end 'of said conveyor towards and awayl from said conveyor, and means for actuating said gathering arm comprising a pair of power driven cranks rotatable in opposite directions, a pair of links connected together at a common point, each of said links being operatively connected with one of said cranks, and a connecting rod'having connection with said gathering arm at one end and said links at its opposite end at their common point of connection.

26. In an apparatus of the class described, an inclined conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a pair oi gathering arms disposed adjacent the forward end of said conveyor and movable about an axis inclined with 'respect to a horizontal plane across theforward end of said conveyor towards and away 'from said conveyor, and means for actuating said gathering arms comprising a pair of power driven cranks on each side of said conveyor rotatable in opposite directions, a pair of links having connection with each pair of cranks, said links being pivotally connected together at a common point, and connecting rods .having connection with said gathering armsrat one end and said links at their opposite end at the common point of connection of said links.

27. In an apparatus of the class described, an inclined conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising Va gathering arm movable about an axis inclined with respect to a horizontal plane across the forward end of said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable in ya plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement or said gathering arm away V@from `said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor'and simultaneously moving said iinger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said, conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, andlever mechanism disposed above said finger and having connection with said connecting rod and finger.

28. In an apparatus of, the class described, an inclined conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material on said conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable about an axis inclined with respect to a, horizontal plane across the forward end of said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a nnger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor, and `means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said nger in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect tosaid conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever supported above said nger for movement about a pivotal axis, means for operatively connecting said connecting' vrod-with said lever and means for operatively connecting said lever with said linger.

29. In an apparatus of the class described, an inclined conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material onsaid conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable about an axis inclined with respect to 1a horizontal plane across the forward end of said conveyor towards and away from said conveyor including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to said conveyor upon-movement of said gathering arm Vaway from said conveyor, and means for moving said gathering arm towards and away from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said ringer in a plane disposed at la right angle with respect to said conveyor upon movement of said gathering arm away from said conveyor comprising a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever supported abovesaid linger for movement about a pivotal axis, a link having connection with said lever at one oi its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends and `means for operatively connecting said lever Ywith said finger.

l30. In an apparatus of the class described,V

an inclined conveyor, gathering mechanism for gathering and depositing material onsaid conveyor comprising a gathering arm movable about an axis inclined with respect to a horizontal plane across the forward end voi said conveyor towards and away rom said conveyor including a finger movable in a plane disposed at a right angle with respect to saidconveyor upon movement oi said gathering away from said conveyor, and for moving said gathering arm towards and away'from said conveyor and simultaneously moving said finger in a plane disposed at a right angie with respect to said conveyor upon movement of'saidgathering arm away from said conveyor con'iprisingl a crank, a connecting rod driven thereby, a lever ysupported above said iinger `for movement about a pivotal axis, a link having connection with said lever at one of its ends and said connecting rod intermediate its ends, means for operatively connectingisaid lever with said nger and means lfor operatively connectingvthe opposite end oi" said 'link with said gathering arm.

FREDERICK W. VODOZ. 

